In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not?
A
Some use uranium and others use thorium
B
Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
Correct Answer
C
Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
D
Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned
Explanation
The correct option is (B) because, under India’s nuclear separation plan following the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal, reactors using imported uranium must be placed under IAEA safeguards to ensure the fuel is used only for peaceful purposes, while those using domestic uranium can be kept outside for strategic/military use. Option (A) is a common distractor, but the safeguard status is determined by the source of the fuel and the reactor's designation (civil vs. military) rather than the specific chemical element (uranium vs. thorium) being used. The core concept being tested is India’s unique "Separation Plan" and its international obligations under the India-specific Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA.
Nuclear TechnologyNuclear Energy Policy and International SafeguardsIndianuclear reactorsIAEA SafeguardsInternational Atomic Energy Agencyimported uraniumdomestic suppliesnuclear non-proliferation